Yorkshire Terriers
Origin of Yorkshire Terriers :
Yorkshire Terriers are purebred dogs that were first bred in Yorkshire, Northern England, in the 1800s. They were bred from the working terriers brought to England by some Scottish immigrants who moved to England during the industrial revolution. Yorkies were bred to hunt and kill rats and other wild animals that are harmful to crops. The American Kennel Club recognized the Yorkshire terrier in 1878. Yorkies got their long, silky, and glossy coats from the Clydesdale terrier and Skye terrier. The signature coat pattern is a result of English Black and Tan terriers.
Size of Yorkshire Terriers :
The Yorkshire terriers has a shoulder height of 8-9 inches and weighs 4-6 pounds. They are small in size with v-shaped ears, flathead, long glossy coats, and high tails. They are the most glamorous breed of dogs known worldwide.
Coat of Yorkshire Terriers :
Yorkshire Terriers are known for their long, silky, and perfectly straight coats. They are born black with a tan and blue color coat which develops naturally. Their coat is golden brown at the chest, head, and legs. Show dogs Yorkies have long hairs that reach the floor and are parted in the middle. Yorkies shed a very little amount of hair, and they have a single layer of coat.
Temperament of Yorkshire Terriers :
Yorkies are classified as toy breeds. They are sweet and affectionate towards their family. Yorkies are self-obsessed and confident. While some are calm and cuddly, following their owners everywhere, others are stubborn and mischievous. Yorkies are bold and intelligent. They bark when they sense anything unusual. They are not suitable for novice owners due to their strong personalities. Yorkies must be supervised by elders when they are with kids. They get along well with cats and other pets but act too brave in front of larger dogs. Yorkies can be a wonderful companion if you start their training from an early age.
Care of Yorkshire Terriers :
Yorkshire terriers enjoy spending playtime and going on a walk with their owners. They are quick learners, but they can act stubborn at some point in time if they are not given respect and treated harshly. Yorkies are indoor dogs, and they cannot survive extreme heat and cold. Even though Yorkies shed little, they need daily brushing and combing to keep their coat groomed. If your pet has long hairs, make sure they are kept out of its eyes and ear passages. Small breeds like Yorkies are prone to dental problems, so brushing their teeth regularly is necessary. Bathe your pup weekly to keep them neat and clean.
Health of Yorkshire Terriers :
Yorkies have a lifespan of 12-15 years. There are some health problems to which a Yorkshire terrier is prone. Patellar Luxation, Diabetes, Cushing’s disease (an excessive amount of steroids in the body), Periodontal Disease, Pancreatitis, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Hypoglycemia are some health conditions a Yorkie can be affected. With proper care and nutrition, these health issues can be avoided, whereas some can be treated medically. Ask for a medical clearance from the breeder when you plan to get a Yorkie home.
